BEFORE THE BREAKTHROUGH

An honest conversation about chasing your dreams, protecting your peace, and making an impact.

BEFORE THE BREAKTHROUGH 🎤

The mindset, mental health, and community behind the journey.

Before the opportunity, the recognition, or the dream job, there’s a journey people don’t always see. How do you keep believing in yourself while managing uncertainty, rejection, and the pressure to succeed?

Join Affirmations for Black Men in partnership with Black Men Heal for an honest conversation with Christian Crosby, host, actor, and artist, and Darnell Davis, Marketplace Lead at Nike, creative, and author.

We’re going beyond their titles to explore the mental and emotional work of positioning yourself for opportunity. From finding direction to navigating setbacks, we’ll discuss how to pursue your goals while caring for yourself along the way.

Together, we’ll explore:

• Building confidence before anyone else sees your potential. • Handling rejection, self doubt, and the pressure to have life figured out. • Protecting your mental health as you pursue opportunities and navigate success. • Finding mentorship, meaningful relationships, and a community that supports you. • Using your voice to create change, support your community, and participate in the upcoming election.

Whether you’re a young person imagining your future or an adult navigating your next chapter, bring your questions and your experiences. You don’t have to have everything figured out to be part of this conversation.

📅 October 28, 2026 🕠 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 Plant & People | Philadelphia

Stay for the final 30 minutes to network, connect, and keep the conversation going.

Your mental health matters at every stage of the journey, including before the breakthrough.